“After years of planning and cancelling, I finally visited the Spiti Valley”- Tushar

Spiti Valley was on my mind for a couple of years and as a travel content creator, Spiti is something that finds itself a place on every creator’s bucket list for two major reasons, one for the amazing pictures and reels one can click and make in the valley and secondly the unparalleled experiences one can witness. 

So, after making plans day and night and watching them get cancelled at the last minute, I heard from WanderOn, and how they want to collaborate with me for a trip to Spiti Valley. And without giving a second thought, I said yes! From their carefully designed Spiti Valley tour packages, I went on the 6 Days and 7 Nights escapade. 

As the sun bathed the mountains in a golden hue, I could almost hear the wind carrying tales from the timeless monasteries, deeply echoing in the valleys. The more I travelled into Spiti, the more it unfolded like an carefully woven tapestry of humanity’s simplicity and nature’s untouched beauty.

So, without any further ado, it’s time to delve into my sojourn in the Spiti Valley, so hop on board, and let’s go!

Whispers Of The Wind: A 6 Nights, 7 Days Journey In The Spiti Valley

Day-1: Shimla to Kalpa

Well, day 1 entirely went into getting to know the other travellers in my group and somehow in its own way, it was pretty fun. 

Day 2: Kalpa to Kaza via Nako and Tabo

As we approached Tabo, its unassuming beauty took my breath away. The old monastery there welcomed us with open doors, a rarity if it hadn’t been the start of summer. May 1st marked the season’s onset when the monastery opened its doors for wayfarers. Had it been any other time, we would’ve found it closed. The evening unfurled with a lively game session, marking a memorable end to the day.

Day 3: Visit to the Dhankar Monastery and Pin Valley

A monk told us about the peculiar nature of the monastery. Being one of the oldest, the structure was prone to crumble at any moment, a testament to its resilience against time. Behind the monastery, we were greeted by the mesmerising confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers; their combined might shaping the valley’s contours. Our next stop, Pin Valley, found our trip captains, Prashant and Rishab, assisting the locals with their meals, a heartwarming sight amidst such grandeur. 

Day 4: Exploring The Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, Hikkim, Komic and Langza

The thrill continued with a visit to the Chicham Bridge, where we conducted a drop test – the rock took a whole seven seconds to hit the bottom, underscoring the bridge’s terrifying height. Later, we ventured to Hikkim and Komic, the highest village and home to the highest post office and restaurant in the world. With a mere dozen houses, we took photos capturing its unique charm.

Day 5- Departing For Kalpa

Day 6: Driving To The Last Village Of India- Chitkul

In the evening, we sat around a crackling bonfire, sharing our favourite moments from the trip. Every story served as a reminder of the bonds we’d formed, the memories we’d etched in the canvas of Spiti. As the night fell, it unveiled a spectacular full moon that painted the river silver. Some chose to sleep, while others, like me, ventured to the river. Bathed in moonlight, we spent a quiet hour by the riverside, a fitting ode to our unforgettable journey.

Day 7: Retreat To Shimla

Spiti Unscripted: Unexpected And Heart-Warming Moments In The Valley

However, one traveller in our group was still writing her letter; and the post office closed unexpectedly, right in front of our eyes. She looked disappointed, being the only one left out, well who wouldn’t be, coming to one of the highest points in the country and not being able to do the essentials. But then, a kind worker from the post office noticed her. He took her letter and assured her he’d post it himself. At that moment, he became a hero in our eyes, turning a disappointing event into a heartwarming story.

The second one happened during our journey back to Kalpa, where we halted at a dhaba to have some snacks. Right beside the dhaba, there was a group of Spitian ladies who asked me where I was from. Upon telling them, that I am from Mumbai they all harmoniously started singing the popular song ‘ Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost’. It might sound like a small thing, but it for sure created a lasting impression in my heart and made me realise how loving the people of Spiti are. 

Highs And Lows Of My Spiti Sojorun

The other high would be the interaction with the locals, since Spiti is one of the remote regions of the country, the locals usually see fewer people from other parts of the country. But, when they do, they make sure that they make them feel at home. One such instance was when we were having lunch at an eatery and one local who was passing by invited us to his home for a meal and a comfortable stay at night. 

The only low during this trip was the unexpected weather in the valley. Spiti being a high-altitude region experiences weather changes at a regular frequency. This aspect resulted in the first couple of days being cloudy, during which we could not see anything in front of us, resulting in us miss a few picturesque views. 

Would I Recommend Spiti To Other Travellers

1 Word To Describe Your Trip